WALKING around the cobbled streets of Worcester to soak up the unique atmosphere of the Victorian Fayre, it is easy to underestimate the 12 months of meticulous planning which go into the event Policing the fair may not look much to the untrained eye but officers involved say it is like a well-oiled military operation.

About 15,000 people will visit by coach for the event, which runs until tomorrow. More than 300 coaches will descend on Worcester from across the UK.

Each is given a designated drop-off time and location at one of four points along City Walls Road. All of the coaches then head to Grimley, about five miles north of the city, where they wait before returning to pick up their passengers.

Any delays along the way can have a serious knock-on effect to the schedule which means a team of police officers is in constant communication with each other to keep things moving like clockwork.

Sergeant Geoff Murphy said the coaches will not set off from Grimley before being given the green light from officers on the ground.

He said: “The last thing we want is a load of coaches turning up at the same time.

“When the drivers arrive we ensure they know where and when they have to come back into town.

“We can enforce the law on the roads and move people on if we have to.

“All of the coach drivers say this is one of the best organised events they go to anywhere in the country.”

Sergeant Matt Hooley, who is the officer in charge of the Victorian Fayre, said: “The most important thing is ensuring that all of the agencies involved are singing from the same hymn sheet and working together.

“If we lose a road through an accident we still need to make sure we get the coaches and the business into the city. We do all we can to keep the network flowing.”

If traffic is building up police can change all the traffic lights to green for those heading out of the city to ease congestion.

Police will also carry out continuous foot patrols around New Street, Friar Street and the fun fair in Cornmarket car park.

About three officers will patrol the event during the day but this will increase to seven during the evenings.

Sergeant Peter Aldis said the main focus is on groups of youths congregating at the fun fair but it is important to show a presence to ensure everyone feels safe.

Sgt Aldis said: “The numbers look slightly down on last year but that is probably due to the weather.

“It is a fantastic event for Worcester and we are here to ensure everyone has a great time.”

No arrests had been made as your Worcester News went to press.